I finalized my end of year charitable donations last week. I don’t have the words to describe how satisfying it felt to help others. As a young man, I didn’t understand why it was better to give than receive. As a man of a certain age, it’s clear to me.
I don’t expect to receive any gifts this holiday season as my siblings, and I placed a moratorium on exchanging gifts. I’m fine with this. There’s nothing I currently need or desire. My nephews, being in their thirties are established in their careers and doing well, but do not give back. The money I would have given to my nephews and their wives was redirected to non-profits.
The esteemed TW wrote a post about his dwindling social activities. I have experienced the same. In past holiday seasons I had several invitations every weekend. The pandemic halted many annual parties which were never revived. This season, I have just one invitation to an annual solstice party. In years past I sent out sixty to a hundred holiday cards. I started culling the list a few years ago. If I did not receive a card in return, I removed that person from my list. I only sent fifteen cards this year.
My social circle has also shrunk. People have moved away, some died while others reduced their social outings. I also find it hard to form meaningful friendships with quality people in recent years. I question why it was easier to make friends when I was in my twenties. I suspect it is because I have higher expectations now than I did when I was younger.
While I have experienced a curtailment in social activities and invitations, I still have an active social life. I may be alone, but I’m not lonely.
The Retired Corporate Slave 